BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Whatcom County community is invited to join several organizations in celebrating Indigenous People’s Day as one people.

The event will be held at Lummi Nation School on Oct. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be shared food, local vendors and speeches from young Indigenous speakers.

Western Washington University says the intention of Indigenous People’s Day is to acknowledge the contributions of the first caretakers of this land. However, this year’s celebration also aims to highlight the leadership and knowledge of Indigenous people by addressing modern day issues.

“This year’s event is about healing and unity. ‘Netse Mot,’ or ‘One Heart, one mind,’ reflects our commitment to shared humanity and values of gratitude, generosity, and respect in a divided world,” the university says. “Let us reflect on our commitment to come together as a unified community to defeat political unrest, cultural differences, war, and climate change.”

A shared salmon dinner will start off the night and go hand-in-hand with time to explore the booths of local Indigenous artists, vendors and non-profit organizations. There will be speakers throughout the evening, as well as a panel discussion with Lummi Nation School youth leaders. The Blackhawk Singers will open and close the celebration with ceremonial song and dance.

Attendees will hear from notable speaker Ta’Kaiya Blaney, a singer, actress and environmental activist from the Tla A’min Nation in British Columbia. Blaney is an ambassador for the Native Children’s Survival Indigenous Children Fund and Salish Sea Youth Foundation and has spoken at United Nations meetings in the past.

The event looks to serve as an opportunity for non-Indigenous and Indigenous community members to gather and reflect on what “one people” truly means.